Obviously, I've been in love with Fallen Angel since the first time I read it. Robert stole my heart, with each book, and Travis, well he's Rob's best friend, and of course I like him too. But, I knew Rob's story, as well as Brooke's story, and yeah, Evelyn's too. But Travis, nothing, except for the little details I got on the previous books.
When I found out that Tracie was going to write about him, I was happy, because I knew Travis had a dark past, a horrific one, actually, that made him the way he was. So, of course, as the book-junkie (sorry, if the nickname is awful) I started counting the days until I could get my hands on him
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Tracie, asking for an honest opinion. So, that's why I'm here.
What can i say about Travis? Well, let's just say that his story is as sad as Rob's.
Travis was born and raised in US, but his entirely family are expat from Ireland, apparently his old man was involved in some ugly stuff, and was forced to leave his country, along with his wife and kids.
Travis lived in a violent house. His father beat his mother, his sister and his older brother. He was drunk all the time, and he used his family to release his anger and frustrations. Alongside his dad, Travis oldest brother, Paddy, enjoys beating his sister and Travis.
When Travis is 11, his sister arranges for him to leave the house, with the help of a friend, where she's going to join him afterwards.
That's how Travis ends living in DC, though, his sister's plans were for him to live in a house, that plans crash, when the friend is arrested due some drugs problem, and Travis is left with no other choice but to live on the cold streets of DC, alone.
He learns to live on the streets, he learns to survive, he learns about things no child should know about. And that's how he gets to know Robert.
They bond inmediately, they become friends, brother in life, which for me, happens to be more important that a brotherhood by blood.
They fight together, they watch each other backs, and they grow up, on the streets.
But one day, everything changes, and both of them ends up, under Joe's wing.
Travis tells us his story as a boy, as a teenager, and as a man. He's so funny, so easygoing, that you won't be able to not love him. But, he also has his demons, the ones that keeps him from getting settled, to have a real life.
I don't want to tell too much, because I really believe everyone should read this book. Not because it's a love story, but because it shows that sometimes you don't have to live your life based on the cards you've been handled. No, you have to live your life as you want. Ok, maybe Travis took that to the next level. But let's be honest, what would we do, if with 11 years old, we're alone on a city, with no family, no money, no place to live? I'd like to believe that I'd be as strong as Travis was, but I'm not so sure.
Travis was able to overcome his, more likely, destiny. He made a life for himself. He and Rob were able to grow into amazing, caring, loving men. Yes, they were kind of criminals, but still, they're loyal to their family, they take care of each other, and let's not forget how Evelyn helped.
One thing that I loved about Travis story, actually there are many things I loved; it's how he reacts when Rob falls in love with Brooke...honestly, this is something you won't want to miss...It's weird to say the least, but at the end, you understand why he reacts as he did, what he sees on Brooke, what he feels for her.
If I were able to give a grade to this book it will be A++++.
So, if you're looking a book about a man that has to overcome a life full of challenges, #Travis is the book you're looking for. And if you read #Travis, you might as well read every book on #FallenAngelSeries and you will see, why I love those characters as much as I do.
Tracie Podger as usual, you excel on this book, but that doesn't surprise me! Thank you, for giving me the chance to review #Travis and for writing such an amazing story, not just for Travis, but for Brooke, Rob and Evelyn as well